The Senate Committee on Aviation has expressed its firm commitment to thoroughly investigate and address the recent troubling incidents involving airline operators and passengers in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Committee Chairman, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, conveyed deep worry about these developments, stressing the urgent need for thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding these events.
He highlighted that the occurrences over the past two weeks pose serious threats to the safety and integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector and “demand immediate and coordinated action to restore public confidence.”
The Chairman emphasized that the Committee, acting within its constitutional mandate, will actively engage with all relevant stakeholders—including regulatory bodies, airline operators, security agencies, and public interest organizations—to ascertain the facts, assess current operational protocols, and ensure that appropriate corrective measures are promptly enforced.
“We will not tolerate any procedural weaknesses or enforcement lapses that compromise safety standards, professionalism, or public trust in our aviation system,” Senator Abdulfatai declared.
“The Senate Committee on Aviation is committed to holding all parties accountable and safeguarding the interests of Nigerian travelers.”
Among the recent incidents drawing national attention was the case involving renowned fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Last week, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the musician engaged in unruly behavior by physically obstructing an aircraft on the tarmac, preventing it from taking off. This disruptive act raised serious safety concerns and attracted strong reactions from the public.
In a separate but equally alarming event, Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on the Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, was forcibly removed from the plane on Sunday after reportedly refusing to comply with the airline’s request to switch off her mobile phone.
A video circulating on social media further showed her slapping a female air hostess who insisted on adherence to aviation safety protocols. The incident has since sparked debate on passenger rights and the enforcement of safety regulations.
The Senate Committee on Aviation has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s skies remain safe and that passengers’ rights are protected within the boundaries of lawful and professional conduct. The Committee vowed to take all necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future by fostering a culture of respect, discipline, and accountability among all actors in the aviation ecosystem.
Senator Abdulfatai called on all Nigerians to support the Committee’s efforts by providing relevant information where necessary and urged the aviation industry to prioritize the enforcement of safety regulations while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and customer care.
The Committee’s overarching goal is to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation system and to ensure that the sector operates in a manner that meets international best practices and standards